Published 8:00 pm, Friday, April 3, 2009

Pugs and their owners braved the wind to enjoy the first Doggie Easter Egg Hunt in Bigelow Park in Bay City, and among the guests was a "star" from Detroit.

Jennifer Martin, one of two Pug Rescue Network volunteers north of Flint, said the group hosted the event-the first in the Tri-City area-so that there is such an organization, and to raise money to cover the cost of care for animals that need adopting.

Pugs, labs, corgis and other breeds of dogs, and their owners, got to search for eggs and redeem them for prizes such as photo frames, chew toys and, of course, dog biscuits.

The canine participants also enjoyed contests such as longest tail, curliest tail, longest sit, longest lay and more. Winners received a certificate and squeaky toy.

More than 40 dogs participated in the three-hour event.

Volunteers from the Pug Rescue network were on hand with some of the pugs that are available for adoption. Among those was the fawn-colored Cooper, who was rescued from a home in Detroit and was given little chance of retaining a badly injured left eye.

But a veterinarian who specializes in ophthalmology (one of only two in Michigan), treated Cooper and his eye has healed perfectly. Cooper later was featured on an episode on Animal Cops Detroit.

Pug merchandise was available for purchase as well as dog shaped cupcakes and other baked goods. Volunteers held a 50/50 raffle as well as a raffle for items that were donated from local businesses. Proceeds from the raffles and sales go to the Pug Rescue Network.

Martin, a new volunteer to the organization, is one of the few volunteers in the area that works with the Pug Rescue Network, a non-profit organization that helps rescue pugs from dangerous or life-threatening situations.

According to Jerry Dalton, president of the Pug Rescue Network, event organizers wanted to let people know about the organization so that more people might volunteer to help, and to simply let people know that such an organization exists in case there is a need for it to be used.

The organization provides medical attention, food and foster homes to pugs that are rescued.